MPs Welcome Annual Endometriosis Awareness Day at House of Commons

12.00.00am GMT Wed 7th Jul 2004

Annette Brooke supports the campaign for better treatment and recognition of Endometriosis

A coalition of organisations campaigning for better treatment and recognition of Endometriosis, the serious and crippling condition which affects about ten per cent of women is holding its fourth Annual Awareness day in the House of Commons today Wednesday 7th July.

Liberal Democrat MP Annette Brooke, who is also Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), met with six local sufferers of this debilitating condition who travelled to London to lobby her and other MPs from Dorset. In organising the Annual Awareness Day, the All Party Group has successfully put the issue of research into the condition and access to treatment on the government's health agenda, and has called for more training for GPs and for more specialist services from gynaecologists.

A number of support groups for sufferers coordinated their campaigning and have recently launched a national 'Pain Survey' looking into the effects of endometriosis pain and the quality of life of those affected. This will help with research into the range of symptoms and treatments available to women across the country.

Annette Brooke MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole and Vice Chair of the Group said:

"This is another excellent, high profile opportunity for women with endometriosis and their carers, to lobby their MPs for greater awareness of this poorly understood disease that affects one in ten women in the UK.

"We encourage people to meet with their MPs to discuss healthcare needs in their areas and to promote improved treatment choices for a disease that sadly has no cure."

Other speakers at this prestigious annual event include Dr George Harrison, a pain specialist from Selly Oak, Birmingham; Mr Ellis Downes, a consultant gynaecologist from Enfield; and Deborah Bush, CEO from New Zealand Endometriosis Foundation; plus a panel of representatives from the EAPPG.

One young member of the APPG who lobbied her MP today said of the condition:

"The pain of endometriosis can be agonizing, it stops me from working full-time in the job that I love.

"It has been difficult to explain my symptoms to my doctor and get them recognised. I wish that I had been diagnosed quicker, and had received specialist treatment sooner. I just wish the pain would stop. I would like to have children one day, but I am unsure of my chances."